Deswick Paisley

Deswick “Warren” Paisley, affectionately known as “Sonny” to his family and close friends, was born in

Beecher Town, St. Ann, Jamaica, the youngest of nine children born to Lowell and Priscilla Paisley. From his

earliest days, Sonny carried a gentle spirit, a determined work ethic, and a deep love for the people around him.

He received his formative education at Beecher Town and Epworth All-Age Schools before attending training

school to pursue his passion for mechanics. In 1969, Sonny migrated to the United States to join his brother

Owen and family, beginning his American journey with his first job at E.J. Korvette Department Store. Before

long, he returned to his true calling, securing a position in his field with Allied Aviation Services in New York.

It was during this time that Sonny met and married Mary Flo Gordon in Brooklyn, New York. Their union

was blessed with two daughters, Tanya Nicole and Priscilla Ann, and later expanded with the adoption of his

nephew, Devril Paul Peart, whom he loved as a son.

Sonny eventually relocated to New Jersey after transferring with Allied Aviation, where he served as a Lead

Mechanic at Newark Airport for over 30 years. Even after retirement, his hands and heart refused to be idle.

He continued serving his community as a school crossing guard with the New Jersey Board of Education, a

role he performed with the same dedication he brought to every task. Sonny was a perfectionist in the best

sense, thorough, reliable, and proud of a job well done.

He found great joy in traveling, especially when returning to his beloved Jamaica, where he treasured time

with family and the serene beauty of the Negril beaches. His visits were most frequent during the years his

parents were alive, and those memories remained dear to him. Sonny also delighted in attending Mighty

Sparrow shows and was an avid wrestling enthusiast. His passion for wrestling ran so deep that the only

acceptable interruption to his program was if he was experiencing a medical episode himself.

Despite facing several medical challenges, Sonny fought each battle with resilience and determination. His

family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ann Paisley, Arista Burton, Timothy Eubanks, Yrma Castillo (his

devoted caregiver of 12 years), the staff at Birchwood Healthcare Center, and all relatives and friends who

supported his care.

Sonny was the proud patriarch of the “Paisley” family. He remained deeply connected to his children,

grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents

and all ten siblings: Owen, Varlo, Gwendolyn, Winnifred, Thelma, Inez, Hoplin, Hyacinth, Grace and Leon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Tanya Nicole and Priscilla Ann Paisley, his adopted son

Devril; his two extended daughters, Kirsten and Sabrina; five grandchildren Marcquese, Kodie, Dazjaniera,

Kahel, and Tanijah; three great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever feel

the void of his absence.

Sonny often reminded those around him, “God is able” and “One day at a time.”

May his soul rest in eternal peace!